On Wed 29th March 14 of us undertook a very muddy walk around some of the former mills and water courses in Turton.
From Turton Tower we walked adjacent to the London Midland & Scottish Railway to the old Turton & Edgworth Station, the level crossing, and Victoria Mill, the last to be closed in the area in year 2000. It’s now a beautiful(!) eco-housing development. Ho Hum!

Then down a very bumpy cobbled Station Rd past a (closed in 1970) Williams & Deacons Bank that (probably) was the cash and accounting centre for goods traded between the station and the mills.
At Four Lane Ends a fab view of where Spring Vale Mill used to be – and another bank! Down into Vale Street where the mill was. Another modern housing development…..
The walk down Bradshaw Brook was full of semi hidden features. Leetes, channels, diversions, overhead piping etc all to support the Horrobin Mills complex. And here’s what it was like in 1930.
A quick walk up to King William’s Sidings to figure out how the raw materials were delivered but no evidence of trackways.
Headed back to Turton Tower Café but the rain started and it was full, so Lunch and Tea and Cake at The Barlow was very welcome.